Wet and wild! Debris blown on the pitch, players dash for cover and TV presenters are drowned out as storms batter Saturday's big sports events

A rugby match ended nine minutes early and several football matches were delayed as torrential rain and high winds battered Saturday's fixture list

Referee Gwyn Morris called full-time nine minutes from the scheduled end as holders Harlequins secured their first win in this season's LV=Cup at the third attempt and hand 2012 winners Leicester their first defeat.

Danger: An advertising hoarding is blown across the pitch during a storm which resulted in the match being abandoned at Harlequins

Stormy: Leicester City's Ritchie De Laet stands in the pouring rain (left) and hail also fell on the pitch during the Championship encounter (right)

'I don't think Quins' victory was in
doubt at that stage. I think the game was past us. With nine minutes to
go you would back yourselves to get a bonus point - but the weather was
extreme.

'With scaffolding
boards blowing on to the pitch the safety of the fans becomes
all-important. You don't want a supporter getting hit by an eight-foot
scaffolding plank from 50 foot because it will probably kill you.

'While it could affect the possible outcome of our group and who qualifies, sometimes it's about the bigger picture.

'You won't often find me saying it's only a game but it is - and it's not worth somebody getting injured.'

Debris: A flagpole was blown down during heavy wind and rain before kick off at the FA Cup tie between Stevenage and Everton

Odds against: Bookmakers attempt to work in the heavy rain and high winds at Cheltenham

In football, a thunderstorm delayed kick-off for an
hour at the League Two encounter at Burton but it was worth the wait for Fleetwood whose 4-2 win
lifted them into third.

Leaders
Scunthorpe saw their advantage cut to a point after they threw away a
three-goal lead at Dagenham & Redbridge and Chesterfield beat
Northampton.

The Iron
appeared to be coasting thanks to goals from Sam Winnall, Deon Burton
and Paul Hayes but Abu Ogogo and Chris Dixon pulled two back only for a
thunder storm to force the teams off with six minutes left.

After a 10-minute delay play resumed and debutant Luke Norris equalised in the 89th minute.

The Skrill Premier match between leaders
Luton and Nuneaton was held up for 10 minutes after a storm prompted the
players and match officials to run for cover and shelter in the
dressing rooms. Luton ran out 3-0 winners.

Saturday's horse racing at Doncaster and Cheltenham was also hit by the weather as trainers, jockeys, horses and bookies were lashed by wind and rain.